WVOC News

Jurors hear ex-SC State trustee's taped calls

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ Jurors considering corruption charges against a former South Carolina State University trustee have asked to listen to several phone calls taped by the government.

The jury finished its third day of deliberations Wednesday over 45 charges in Jonathan Pinson's federal racketeering trial.

Jurors will deliberate again Thursday. One juror has a conflict and will be let go Thursday afternoon, leaving 11 jurors next week if a verdict is not reached.

Jurors asked to listen to several of the more than 100 wiretapped calls by Pinson that prosecutors put into evidence, including one where Pinson discusses possibly getting a Porsche SUV from a Florida businessman.

Pinson's attorneys say he never benefited from any of the deals.

The same jury is also considering charges against Pinson's business partner, Eric Robinson.